San Francisco is a beautiful walk-friendly city. On any given day you see endless joggers and baby strollers — “the wheels on the stroller go round and round!” Enjoy the fresh air and views along the waterfront. Any easy mark for the embarcadero area is the famous clock at the Ferry Building. The ferry building was designed by San Francisco architect A. Page Brown. The building survived the 1906 earthquake as well as the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake with very little damage.

In 1989, the Ferry Building tower clock stopped at 5:04, the exact time of the earthquake. An aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake was the damaged and falling of the then-double decker Embarcadero Freeway, creating a ground-level boulevard. *A side note: when the earthquake happened I was out of the country but had a feeling that we would be OK in San Francisco. In the Chinese language, we often refer to numbers for luck. The number 5 translates to “negate” or “no.” The numbers 04 together translate to “no death.”

Today one of the most popular destinations is the upscale farmers market located at the Ferry Building Marketplace. Visit their website to check out the wealth of culinary delights to be found there. It is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year and on Thursday evenings beginning in July. Some of my favorite food purveyors include the Acme breads, my cousin’s Imperial Court (hint: won ton soup scented with green tea broth, wonderful teas and teaware,) Cowgirl Creamery Artisan Cheese shop, Miette’s chocolates, Ciao Bella Gelato, Dirty Girl Produce, Lagier Ranches. Find paw-paws, peppers, heirloom tomatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, stone fruits, fish, shellfish, poultry, beef, prosciutto, salame…bring a big shopping bag. Stop by Prather Ranch for an organic hot dog and shop for dinner while you are there. Pick up fresh flowers and lovely plants.

Eat indoors in a variety of well-resepcted restaurants and cafes. Slurp on fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co., Mexican fare at Mijitas, or fancy up at Out the Door or line up at its to-go counter. Another long line forms at Taylor’s Refersher for unique ahi burgers, patty melts and corn dogs. Walk to the rear of the Marketplace for more action with complimentary gorgeous views of the bay. Greeting you here are vendors with mushrooms, eggs, more cheese, free tastings. Have a light breakfast before charging into the Marketplace as you will want to eat here.